Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 181 The Beginning of Xingchen Cinema Circuit

The domestic box office of "Now You See Me" is still slowly climbing.

2.6 million, 2.7 million, 2.8 million... and now it has quietly approached 2.93 million.

High-definition pirated versions have emerged, but thankfully, some viewers still insist on going to the cinema.

Although daily box office revenue has dwindled to a few hundred thousand, it still manages to occasionally have a small surge, barely reaching a million.

"I don't know how many more days we can hold on. If we can hold on for another week, breaking 300 million is still a possibility."

In the back seat, Han Sanping flipped through the documents in his hand while exchanging whispers with Wu Chen.

The two were heading to the airport together to catch a flight to Los Angeles.

Lionsgate not only arranged a global celebration for "Now You See Me," but also prepared to discuss the specifics of the sequel.

At this moment, "Now You See Me" has already surpassed $2 million in overseas box office revenue, and its momentum remains strong, with the potential to challenge $3 million.

The North American box office has reached $1.65 million. Although $2 million is a bit difficult, there is still hope to reach $1.8 million.

It's only a matter of time before "Now You See Me" breaks into the top 50 of the global box office charts.

In this situation, not making a sequel would be a sign of utter stupidity.

However, Wu Chen's net worth has also risen accordingly.

As a screenwriter and director, his rise in popularity is far more dramatic than that of actors who have signed sequel contracts, and he has already entered the ranks of top Hollywood directors and screenwriters.

If, like the first film, the director's and screenwriter's fees are used to offset shares—

Not only Lionsgate couldn't hold on, but even Han Sanping and Jason Blum couldn't withstand it.

Fortunately, Wu Chen only served as screenwriter this time and stepped down as director; otherwise, everyone would have had to negotiate for a long time regarding the share of the profits.

"It would be best if we could break through, but it doesn't matter if we can't. We'll definitely be able to break through in the next step anyway." Wu Chen chuckled, his expression calm, showing no particular obsession with this major hurdle.

As he spoke, he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned his head to ask, "By the way, Mr. Han, I heard that China Film Group is going to sell a batch of cinemas? Is that true?"

Han Sanping was taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "Where did you hear this news from? Your information network is quite extensive. This matter does exist, but it's not entirely accurate."

"Mr. Han, what do you mean?"

Han Sanping paused, thought for a moment, and finally spoke:
"Never mind, this isn't exactly a secret."

China Film Group and Stellar Media Group established the "China Film Stellar Media Cinema Circuit" years ago. China Film Group holds the controlling stake, while Stellar Media is responsible for the actual operation. This cinema circuit plans to expand rapidly starting this year.

To alleviate operational pressure, the group intends to sell or loosen its ties with China Film North and South cinema chains, particularly those cinemas that are losing money, lack funds for digital upgrades, or have rigid local management teams.

Han Sanping gave Wu Chen a serious look and instructed him:
"However, let me make it clear to you that, firstly, these individual cinemas are mostly located in third-tier cities, such as Handan, Baoding, Anshan, and Zhanjiang. There aren't many of them, probably around twenty."

Secondly, the investment-heavy market is very complex. The initial cost of a cinema is at least a million yuan, and normally it starts at three to five million yuan. If the domestic film industry is not developing well, and you manage it poorly, you will only lose money faster. You need to think this through carefully.

After listening, Wu Chen nodded cautiously:
“I understand. It’s better to have fewer cinemas. If there are too many, Xingchen doesn’t have the capacity yet.”

Besides, a tall building starts from the ground up. Starry Sky Pictures can take this opportunity to gain some experience. Cinemas in third-tier cities are just right. If things don't go well, they won't lose too much money when they sell later. If they gain experience, they can expand in the future.”

Wu Chen naturally had his own plans.

First of all, this batch of cinemas is not numerous, and they are already in use.

You need to know that the most difficult stage is going from zero to one. If you can buy something ready-made, never do it yourself. This will save you both money and effort.

Once the integration of China Film Group's cinemas is complete, and if the acquisition of Golden Harvest's cinemas in China is successful next year, and a few more iconic flagship cinemas are built in first-tier cities, then the Star Cinema Line will be considered to have reached a considerable scale.

Although the coverage area is not large, having it and not having it are two different things. We can plan for its development slowly in the future.

That makes sense.

Han Sanping looked at Wu Chen with a complicated expression. He remembered that Wu Chen, Mu Deyuan, Zhang Huijun and others had talked to him about "The Dark Side" about two years ago.

Two years is not a long time, but it's definitely not fast either. Starry Night Pictures seems to be slowly gaining traction in the industry.

"We're friends, but business is business. You can take it all, but don't try to haggle over the price."

"It's natural."

Wu Chen didn't intend to engage in any private deals; everyone would just rely on their own abilities.

"Hmm!" Han Sanping nodded slightly.

He wasn't pedantic; he knew that selling this asset to anyone was the same, and under the same conditions, he would naturally sell it to someone he had a better relationship with.

"By the way, Mr. Han, since China Film Group is considering a package deal, what about Shanghai Film Group's part?"

"You really have a good mind." Han Sanping laughed upon hearing this. "But you know what, you actually guessed right. It's just that the Shanghai Joint Institute is too strong, and they won't sell their core resources."

The franchise system does have this problem, but are you interested in a franchise system?

"Never mind then!" Wu Chen chuckled, instantly dismissing the idea.

Franchising is pointless; it's better to develop it yourself gradually.

"Mr. Han, there's one more thing I need to trouble you with."

"When you say something is troublesome, it really is troublesome. Never mind, let's just say it all together."

The car slowly came to a stop in the airport parking lot. The two got out of the car together and went straight into the VIP waiting hall. At this moment, Han Sanping's eyes were wide open, and he looked incredulous.

"Wu Chen, I'm telling you, you've gone too far. You not only want China Film Group's cinemas, but you also want their people, and I even had to help you find them."

"Uh, Mr. Han, that's not what I meant," Wu Chen explained. "I was just helping China Film Group address the employment issues of those laid off due to the cinema problems."

"hehe!"

“Look, with you selling these cinemas in bulk, some people will definitely be out of work.”

Moreover, there are always one or two people who are highly capable, but due to the bloated system and lack of opportunities in state-owned enterprises, they are about to be laid off.
"This is definitely their best way out!" Wu Chen patted his chest.

"Such a good talent, why would I use him? I can't handle him?" Han Sanping said irritably.

"Mr. Han, you can't solve the problem of being overweight."

"Don't even think about it. If you're employed, don't even consider it. If you're laid off or unemployed, that's fine." Han Sanping refused outright.

"Mr. Han, okay then, let's say he's laid off and unemployed."

"."

Han Sanping felt like he'd fallen into a trap, but being laid off wasn't a big deal, and he couldn't refuse anymore, so he pursed his lips:
"When you get back, go find Cheng Sheng and ask him to take a look at you." Han Sanping rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit of a headache. The next day, in the afterglow of the setting sun, the entire city of Los Angeles seemed to be sprinkled with gold dust, the light and shadow dazzling.

Outside Beverly Hills' most prestigious club, the lights were dazzling.

Lionsgate went all out for the global celebration of "Now You See Me" with the highest level of extravagance:

The entrance was filled with huge posters and metal sculptures, and there was a live magician performing on the side, attracting countless media cameras.

As soon as Wu Chen and Han Sanping arrived, they heard the flashing of camera lights, which surged towards them like a tide.

Jason Blum arrived early as well, chatting with actors like Blake Lively and Mark Ruffalo. When he saw Wu Chen arrive, he quickly stepped forward.

The arrival of Han Sanping and Wu Chen attracted a lot of attention.

Wu Chen is now a highly sought-after commercial director in Hollywood, which goes without saying;

Han Sanping holds the key to China's imported films, and many high-ranking executives from well-known film companies have come forward to greet him.

"Wu, congratulations! This time you've truly become a top-tier Hollywood director, a real international director!" Jason Blum raised his glass and clinked it with Wu Chen's.

The words I spoke in Sitges have come true in less than three years.

"By the way, Paramount came to see me again the other day. They said if you're interested in directing 'Black Swan,' they can relax the terms and arrange it for you according to the current treatment of top Hollywood directors. The share can also be negotiated."

"They're really quick," Wu Chen chuckled and shook his head. "I'll talk to them after my movie comes out."

“Understood!” Jason Blum chuckled softly.

The celebration banquet officially began, and it was no different from what was held in China.

The clinking of glasses and the sounds of laughter filled the air.

Wu Chen, Han Sanping, Jason Blum, along with several Lionsgate executives and lead actors, were invited to the front of the stage to publicly announce to a group of Hollywood media:

Now You See Me 2 has been officially greenlit!

The main cast and crew have signed a contract for the sequel, and the original cast will return.
The start date and release date are yet to be determined.

As soon as the news broke, the spotlights in the audience started flashing wildly again.

Soon, major entertainment headlines were flooded with posts about it:
[Now You See Me 2 Confirmed! Original Team Returns, Lionsgate Pushes for New Series King!]

[Hollywood's New Force! Now You See Me Crawls Nearly $4 Million Worldwide, Sequel Plans Quickly Secured!]

【.】

However, the next morning, the sun shone brightly in Los Angeles.

Lionsgate headquarters, conference room.

Representatives from all four sides were present, and the natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows streamed into the room, making everything appear clear and bright.

On the conference table, freshly ground coffee, folders, and stacks of thick draft contracts were neatly arranged.

Michael Burns flipped through the documents and got straight to the point:
"Based on the increased fees for actors signing sequel contracts, plus a reasonable estimate of the production costs of the first film, the budget for the second film is expected to be between $6000 million and $7000 million, and should not be less than that range."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone nodded slightly.

Wu Chen leaned back in his chair, his expression calm: "More or less. The specific budget will have to wait until my script is finished before we can calculate it in detail."

I don't plan to direct this time; I'll only be responsible for the script. The screenwriter's fee and profit-sharing rights will be calculated and incorporated into the production structure, following the same method as the first film.

“Very fair!” Michael Burns nodded. “We’ll calculate it for you based on the standards of top Hollywood screenwriters, but Lionsgate has a small request.”

As he said this, his eyes flickered slightly, and his tone was tentative:

"Our investment share in the last film was only 11.1%, which was too low. This time, we hope to increase it a bit."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room became slightly awkward.

Having tasted success, Lionsgate naturally wants to expand its influence.

Increasing investment share means squeezing the market share of China Film Group and Blumhouse Films.

The two immediately objected.

Despite having the smallest market share, Lionsgate controls distribution and, in addition, purchases various DVD rights from North America at the same price. Theoretically, Lionsgate earns more money than the other two companies.

The three parties immediately engaged in a heated exchange, their words clashing, and the situation became slightly tense for a moment.

However, everyone understands that the second part will not be filmed immediately. There is plenty of time and room for negotiation.

As the negotiations concluded, sunlight streamed obliquely into the conference room, casting golden rays across the tabletop.

Han Sanping got up, preparing to return to China.

Wu Chen remained in Los Angeles, as there were still follow-up matters to handle.

“If Lionsgate wants a larger share, they have to compromise on the issuance ratio. Han and I have reached a consensus on this,” Jason Blum said cheerfully.

Earning less is acceptable, but the return on investment must be higher.

"Try to eat as much as possible."

Wu Chen smiled and nodded, then stepped into Universal Pictures with Jason Blum.

David Lyndon personally received Wu Chen and Jason Blum, and without any pleasantries, directly presented the plan he had already prepared.

"This is a release date that we tailored specifically for Get Out."

Wu Chen and Brown looked down and examined it carefully.

Universal's best available date is Friday, November 3, 2006.

There are good reasons:
Avoid the peak season of "Saw 3" at the end of October and avoid competition from similar titles;
Taking advantage of the "horror fever" that just ended Halloween, when audiences still have a strong interest in horror movies, this is a good opportunity to drive traffic.
There is only one other comedy, "Borat," in the same time slot; it's a different genre and doesn't conflict with the other.
On the contrary, its popularity can boost the overall popularity of cinemas.

David Lyndon added with a laugh:
"Released in early November, the media and judges will all be watching the new film, allowing us to simultaneously generate buzz for the Oscars."

Jason Blum closed the file, turned his head slightly and said to Wu Chen in a low voice, "I think there's no problem, this schedule is perfect."

After a long silence, Wu Chen pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the schedule documents on the conference table, before finally nodding slowly.

He extended his hand, shook hands with David Lyndon, and smiled:
"Then let's go with Universal's proposal."

(End of this chapter)